Public Health Solutions’s NYC Smoke-Free Program Hosts World No Tobacco Day with Reality Check Students at Academy of Mt. St. Ursula

Bronx, N.Y. - On May 31, 2017, Academy of Mt St Ursula student leaders from NYC Smoke-Free at Public Health Solutions will be hosting a World No Tobacco Day event.

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), is held annually on May 31 and brings together people around the world to stand up against big tobacco. This day highlights the global tobacco epidemic, creates awareness about the risks association with tobacco use and provides an opportunity to recognize the many local leaders and communities advocating for and creating change to reduce tobacco use.

As a way of demonstrating how the Academy of Mount St. Ursula is celebrating and supporting World No Tobacco Day, seniors Yoseiris Brito and Jael Clarke will be honored for all their work in tobacco control advocacy with the school and in the community.

“90% of students start smoking before the age of 18. It’s remarkable to see how these students have found news ways to create a change for themselves, their peers and take a stand against Big Tobacco and their deadly products,” stated Vonetta Dudley Bronx Student Engagement Coordinator of NYC Smoke-Free.

The school will be hosting an assembly and students will be receiving a plaque in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Senator Gustavo Riviera will be present for the ceremony.

NYC Smoke-Free – a program of Public Health Solutions, works to protect the health of New Yorkers through tobacco control policy, advocacy, and education. Formerly the NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free City, we partner with community members, legislators, and health advocates to support local efforts to end the devastating tobacco epidemic throughout NYC. We believe every New Yorker has the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air where they live, work and play.

Public Health Solutions - As one of the largest public health service nonprofit organizations in New York City, Public Health Solutions improves health among the city’s most vulnerable populations by tackling social, physical, and environmental factors that impact New Yorkers’ ability to thrive. Today PHS serves 200,000+ New Yorkers annually, and we support the work of more than 200 community-based nonprofit organizations. We implement innovative, cost-effective population-based health programs; conduct research providing insight on effective public health interventions; and provide services to government and other nonprofits to address public health issues. Together with our colleagues in the service sector, government, philanthropy and policy organizations, we are thought leaders and cutting-edge public health professionals in New York City and New York State. To learn more, please visit us at www.healthsolutions.org.

Academy of Mount St. Ursula – founded in 1855 – is a Catholic college preparatory school that serves college bound women. AMSU instills in them a love of learning and a broader global view. Following the Ursuline tradition, students receive a strong foundation in Academics, Arts and Service. In a family atmosphere and nestled on a beautiful 10 acre campus, the school encourages students’ individual dreams and strives to empower its students for leadership in society. For more information, please visit www.amsu.org.